Paris, FRANCE — World leaders walked side by side to commemorate the end of World War I in a sombre, rain-soaked line as bells finished tolling.
Arriving a few minutes late, they missed the exact moment to commemorate the armistice that ended World War I. Fighter jets passed overhead as the leaders walked to the Arc de Triomphe.
At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the war came to a close.
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were expected to arrive separately for the commemorations.
Presidents and other dignitaries left the French presidential palace in buses, just a few minutes before the ceremony was supposed to begin.
Sunday's ceremonies were intended to drive home the disaster that would befall the world should it stumble into another global war.
Dignitaries participating in the ceremony include Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Indian vice-president Venkaiah Naidu.